Running shoes on for younger onset dementia

Alzheimer’s Australia Victoria got its support behind two teams taking part in the Run Melbourne event over the weekend.

Team Barry and Team Garry raised funds for The Lovell Foundation, whose goal is to build Australia’s first residential care home for people living with younger onset dementia.

The term ‘younger onset dementia’ is used to describe any form of dementia that develops in people under the age of 65 years.

Although dementia in younger people is much less common than dementia occurring after the age of 65 years, it has been diagnosed in people in their 50s, 40s and even in their 30s.

The latest prevalence figures show that younger onset dementia affects about 24,000 Australians.

Team Barry is representing Barry Woodward who lives with younger onset dementia and moved into an aged care facility last year at the age of just 45 years. The team was headed by Barry’s 11 year old daughter Isabella and nine year old son Lachie. They were joined by family members and close family friends, including Mr Woodward’s wife, Tania.

“The decision to move Barry into an aged care facility at such a young age was the most heart wrenching decision I have ever had to make. We visit often but it is so emotional seeing him living in a home, particularly with people twice his age,” Ms Woodward said.

“We desperately need respite and residential care facilities for younger people living with dementia. We are really excited to help this much needed cause and also to get fit and have fun along the way,” she added.

Heading up Team Garry was The Lovell Foundation’s own, Garry Lovell, alongside a team of friends and neighbours.

Mr Lovell was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 48 years. He still lives at home with his wife Mandy, with whom he established The Lovell Foundation to help build better services for younger people living with dementia.

“This is my first big run, so it has definitely been a challenge. But it is fantastic to have the opportunity to get out there and raise funds and awareness for such an important cause,” Mr Lovell said.

“The current system largely overlooks the needs of younger people with dementia and The Lovell Foundation’s mission is to ensure change. Funds raised through events like Run Melbourne are vital to support our vision,” he said.